Cuts and Wounds on the Mouth and Lips
Children often get minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the mouth and lips while playing, climbing or during sports activities. Many of these injuries can be handled at home with simple first aid treatment.
First Aid at Home
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. The gums, tongue, and lips have a rich blood supply, and cuts in these areas may bleed a lot.
- If your child has a cut on the tongue, try pulling the tongue forward and then put pressure on the wound with gauze or a clean washcloth.
- For smaller cuts and scrapes, clean the wound with warm water. You can use soap to clean off the area around the wound, but try to avoid getting soap directly in the wound.
- Use an antibiotic ointment on the cut to help prevent infection and reduce scarring.
When to Call the Doctor
In general, call your child’s doctor right away if:
- A wound is bleeding heavily and does not stop after five to ten minutes of direct pressure
- A cut is deep or jagged, or the edges gape open
- It is caused by a puncture wound or dirty or rusty object and your child has not had a tetanus shot
- A wound has dirt, stones, or gravel in it
- The wound is caused by an animal or human bite
- A tooth has been knocked out or knocked loose
Preventing Mouth and Head Injuries
Preventing accidents is not always possible, but following basic safety guidelines can help guard against some injuries:
- Keep sharp objects, including pens and pencils, away from babies.
- Watch children when playing with pets. Bites to the face are a common injury.
- Always use seatbelts and child car seats when driving.
- Make sure your child wears a helmet while biking, skateboarding, or roller skating.
- If your child plays a sport that might cause facial injury, such as hockey, basketball, or racquetball, buy a faceguard to wear during practices and games.
- Have your child wear a mouth guard for any sports activities that could cause injury.
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